Alps: Kitzbühel to Tre Cime

Kitzbühel is a chic Alpine resort town which became known worldwide through the annual Hahnenkamm ski race. The town developed in the 16^th century as a silver and copper mining town and still has a charming medieval centre. Kitzbühel is also famous as the hometown of the former ski racer and singer Hansi Hinterseer!

Overnight stay in Kitzbühel.

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 540 m | Descent: 380 m | 5½ hrs approx.

Starting from Kitzbühel, your first hiking day is a very pleasant route under the Kitzbühel Südberge Mountains You will pass many small villages and traditional farmhouses with wonderful floral decorations. The charming rural character of Aurach in Tyrol, with its peaceful hamlets and chapels and marvellous location at the foot of the mountains make this a very special place. Your accommodation tonight is in the idyllic village of Jochberg, under the majestic Großvenediger mountain and with a fine Baroque parish church.

Overnight stay in Jochberg.

Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 820 m | Descent: 800 m | 6½ hrs approx.

A short transfer by shuttle bus is included this morning to take you to the starting point for your hike. You will continue your ascent into the Kitzbühel Alps via lush alpine pastures and the Gauxjoch ski lift. You will pass the idyllic mountain hut Trattenbachalm and the Hartkaserhöhe mountain pass, while enjoying stunning panoramic views in the high mountains. Along the hilltop runs the border between the two provinces of Tyrol and Salzburg. If you want to avoid the descent from the Resterhöhe, you can use the Panoramabahn Kitzbühler Alpen II to shorten some altitude meters (not included in the price).

A local bus will take you to the nearby town of Mittersill, where you will stay for the night in the beautiful surroundings of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Overnight stay in Mittersill.

Distance: 12 km | Ascent: 650 m | Descent: 650 m | 5 hrs approx.

Alternative walk from Hintersee: 13 km | Ascent: 1,225 m | Descent: 1,025 m | 6½ hrs approx.

In the morning you take the transfer from Mittersill to the Matreier Tauernhaus. If you want, you can also make the crossing from Hintersee to the St. Pöltener Hütte and the Matreier Tauernhaus. First, the path climbs steadily through meadows and larch forests to the Venice View. Arrived at the highest point you have a wonderful view of the glaciers of the Großvenediger. On a well-signposted hiking trail, with the Großvenediger and the surrounding mountains always in view, you hike in the direction of Innergschlöss and via the beautiful Almboden back to the Matreier Tauernhaus. From there you can take public transport to Matrei.

Overnight stay in Matrei in Osttirol.

Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 775 m | Descent: 775 m | 6 hrs approx.

Today you will say goodbye to Austria as you cross the border into Northern Italy.

A short transfer takes you to Mariahilf for the start of today’s hike. You ascend gradually on shaded forest paths to the alpine pastures and the Gsieser Törl, an old smuggler’s route between Austria and Italy. Here you will enjoy sweeping panoramic views over the valley to the Pragser Dolomites. You will pass numerous mountain huts on your way to the tranquil Gsiesertal (Valle di Casies in Italian), with many opportunities to try delicious local specialities like dumplings, Kaiserschmarrn and apple strudel. Even though you are now in Italy, you will find that many locals speak either German or the ancient regional Ladin language.

Overnight stay in Gsiesertal-Valle di Casies.

Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 475 m | Descent: 450 m | 4 hrs approx.

The tour continues southwards, and the Dolomites are now only a stone’s throw away. From the Gsiesertal, you continue uphill to Frondeign-Franadega. The path then meanders down to Wahlen-Valle San Silvestro. The valley widens and offers views to the peaks of the Neunerkofel, Haunold, Dürrenstein, as well as the Höhlensteintal valley.

You will spend the next two nights in the town of Toblach-Dobbiaco, gateway to the Dolomites and the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo.

Overnight stay in Toblach-Dobbiaco.

Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 350 m | Descent: 350 m | 4 hrs approx.

Alternative: 12 km | Ascent: 1,100 m | Descent: 215 m | 5½ hrs approx.

Your final hiking day is a fitting finale and perhaps the highlight of the whole tour. You begin by taking the local bus (ticket included) to the Auronzo hut. Along the south side of the Tre Cime you first walk towards the Lavaredohütte and then up towards the Paternsattel. Here, at 2,454m, you can enjoy magnificent views of the 500m high northern walls of the Tre Cime. Next, you will make your way on to the famous Drei Zinnen Hütte before the trail leads you on to the Lange Alm and back to your starting point at the Auronzo Hut, from where you can catch a public bus to Cortina (included).

Overnight stay in Toblach-Dobbiaco.

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.